17 Low-Maintenance Cheap No Grass Backyard Ideas For Renters

Renters often struggle with boring outdoor spaces. Landlords rarely permit major renovation projects. Grass needs too much water, mowing, and expensive care.

You want a beautiful yard without losing your security deposit. A simple setup saves you time and hard earned cash.

We collected smart solutions for drab backyards. These ideas use cheap materials and movable items. You can create a relaxing spot quite easily. No digging is required for most of these tips.

Elevating Rental Exteriors: Non-Invasive Outdoor Solutions

Tenants frequently encounter the challenge of upgrading bland outdoor spaces while adhering to strict lease agreements that forbid permanent alterations.

Instead of managing labor-intensive lawns, residents can utilize cost-effective, movable design elements to establish an inviting atmosphere.

Design 439: The Flexible Retreat

The Flexible Retreat

  • Modular Furnishings

    Select items that are easily movable to avoid structural dependencies or damage during moves.

  • Surface Alternatives

    Use outdoor rugs or deck tiles to cover ground without requiring any permanent excavation.

  • Container Gardening

    Utilize pots and planters to introduce lush greenery that eliminates the need for water-heavy grass.

  • Optimize Budget Allocation

    Choose durable yet affordable materials to maximize aesthetic value without overspending.

1. Hanging Egg Chairs

Source: @lovely.harbor

Two wicker egg chairs hang from a sturdy wooden pergola. Soft white cushions provide comfort for a relaxing seating area.

Potted tropical plants surround the circular jute rug. Strings of glowing lights add warmth to this cozy corner.

2. Gravel Patio with Fire Pit

Source: @micahlenahan

Small grey stones cover the entire ground surface to eliminate mowing. A rustic metal fire pit sits in the center of the seating area.

Woven chairs and a cushioned bench offer plenty of room for guests. Lush green bushes and white flowers frame the perimeter of the space.

3. Modern Paver Patio

Source: @lovely.harbor

Large rectangular pavers create a smooth and clean walking surface. Dark river rocks fill the gaps between the tiles for added texture.

A square concrete fire pit serves as the central focal point. Tall bamboo plants and string lights provide privacy and evening ambiance.

4. Stone Ring Fire Pit

Stackable pavers form a circular border for a dedicated fire zone. Crushed gravel fills the interior to keep the area level and dry.

Wooden chairs face the flames for a classic social layout. Festoon lights hang overhead to illuminate the backyard after sunset.

5. Modern Trough Planter

Glossy white raised planters line the edge of a sleek patio. Built in lights illuminate the path and highlight the greenery.

Slim tropical trees grow alongside lush leafy plants. Gravel fill adds texture between the smooth concrete walkways.

6. Luxury Fire and Water Oasis

Source: @kevenslandscape

Blue glass fire pits glow brightly against the stone patio. A swimming pool and hot tub create a refreshing center point.

Stone walls provide sturdy structure for the tiered layout. Dark blue striped chairs offer comfortable seating near the warmth.

7. Rectangular Gas Fire Table

Source: @curbzlandscaping

A sleek grey fire table sits on a clean wooden deck surface. Black lava rocks hold the dancing flames in the center of the unit.

Dark grey chairs and wicker sofas provide comfortable seating options. Tall glass railings allow a clear view of the surrounding lush greenery.

8. Checkered Tile Courtyard

Source: @themartshowrooms

Diamond patterns of black and white tiles cover the floor. Large ornate stone pots hold dense green shrubs.

A delicate metal archway creates a portal into the garden. White brick walls and leafy branches provide a secluded feel.

9. Concrete Block Fire Pit

Source: @styleathome

A large square concrete fire pit sits at the center of a spacious seating area. Warm flames flicker from the middle of the stone structure.

Woven wicker sofas and wooden chairs offer plenty of room for family. Two large patio umbrellas provide shade over the pool deck nearby.

10. Modern Lap Pool and Paver Patio

Source: @ultra.pools

Large grey pavers define the dining and lounging zones. Synthetic grass strips fill the gaps to add color without maintenance.

A rectangular pool features a small waterfall at one end. Tall cedar fencing provides privacy for this entire outdoor retreat.

11. Brick Courtyard with Water Feature

Source: @usadreamgarden

Red bricks laid in a herringbone pattern create a solid and durable floor. A circular stone fountain provides soothing sounds in the middle of the garden.

Hanging flower baskets add splashes of color to the wooden pergola beams. Shady trees and tall fences ensure a private spot for outdoor dining.

12. Tropical Tiered Water Feature

Three earthenware pots spill water into a small stone pond. Palm trees and leafy tropical plants create a lush jungle atmosphere.

A small wooden bridge crosses over the clear water surface. Smooth river rocks and pebbles border the pond to prevent mud.

13. Flagstone Dining Patio

Source: @landbros_la

Irregularly shaped tan flagstones create a natural and solid ground cover. A small metal table and chairs sit atop the stones for outdoor meals.

Mulch borders the patio to keep weeds down and soil moist. Flowering shrubs and leafy trees provide shade and color to the area.

14. Freeform Stone Pool Patio

Sandstone tiles in various earthy tones wrap around a curved swimming pool. A rock waterfall spills into the deep blue water at the edge.

Padded lounge chairs sit on the flat stone surface for sunbathing. Lush ornamental grasses and shrubs soften the transition to the house.

15. Small Paver Patio Lounge

Grey rectangular pavers create a durable floor for this compact backyard space. Plush cushions on the wicker sofa provide a comfortable spot to relax near the fence.

A black metal fire pit stands in the center ready for a cozy fire. Overhead string lights add a soft glow to the brick planter and house siding.

16. Modern Stone Column Fountains

Source: @zamcogroup

Tall granite columns stand in a row to create a dramatic focal point. Water bubbles gently from the tops of these rough stone towers. Black river rocks fill the basin to catch the splashing droplets.

Ornamental grasses add soft texture against the hard masonry wall. Large glass windows reflect the modern garden design. A low retaining wall defines the edge of this sophisticated outdoor space.

17. Covered Concrete Patio

Large terracotta colored squares cover the yard to stop weed growth. A black metal pergola creates a shaded zone for the dining table.

Woven dark chairs sit around the wood surface ready for a meal. White gravel and small shrubs tidy up the edges near the fence.